Over the last decade, researchers have been studying the changes in cancer cell DNA, identifying extra copies of genes (known as amplification), in particular a gene called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) that controls how cells grow, divide and repair themselves. Knowing specific profiles of cancer cells can signal clinicians about the optimal treatment approaches to take.
UCSD has been integrally involved in the development of Herceptin, a targeted therapy that’s demonstrating dramatic effectiveness in curing localized HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
“We are changing the natural history of breast cancer by identifying specific changes and providing individual care,” said Dr. Richard Schwab, M.D. In addition to HER2, he cited a new study that identified lesions with an amplification of a gene called topoisomerase II, which may benefit from a specific chemotherapy regimen. In the near future, women without this amplification may be able to forego that chemo and thus avoid unnecessary toxicity.